Once again the students of New Bedford are starting a new school year. To all the students, I wish you success as you begin your new year which will be filled with many new academic challenges to prepare you for your future. It is all up to you, the student, to embrace this academic year, to work hard, to be determined, and to persevere to achieve your goal in life.
During my 33 years as an educator, 31 years teaching at New Bedford High School , hundreds of students passed my course by completing all assignments, seeking extra help if needed, paying attention, and following directions. On the other hand, the students who did not pass did so because they failed themselves by: not doing their work, not coming to school on a daily basis, not coming to school on time, not making up work, not paying attention in class, not studying, not bringing materials to class, not doing homework, not studying for tests, not coming after school to seek extra help, and not working to their fullest capacity. Some of these students had a tendency to: blame others for their low grades, listen to their I-Pods or walkman instead of listening to the teacher, text their friends, cut class, act out in class taking away from instruction, and roam the corridors disturbing other classes.
Parents, become fully involved in your child’s education. The teachers and support staff in the New Bedford Public Schools on a daily basis are diligently working to prepare your son/daughter for his/her future. Become a partner with the teachers to help your child fully understand their subjects. Make sure your child goes to school daily and on time, review their homework and prepare them for tests, and ask your child, “How was your day today, and what did you learn?”. If your child is having difficulty with a class or subject, make an appointment to meet with the teacher and find out what services are available to assist your child. Enrich your child’s mind with knowledge as you enrich their body with food to help them to grow. Remember, knowledge is power, and the mind is a terrible thing to waste!
Even though I have been retired for several years, I am still involved in education. Presently I am a member of both the Superintendent’s Roundtable and the Environmental Curriculum committee of the New Bedford Public Schools. On a regular basis, I attend the School Committee meetings and have spoken on various topics during the public comment section.
Every one is given the same opportunity to receive an “A-One” education. It is up to you, the student, and your parents to seize the opportunity at hand. Opportunity is knocking! Are you, students and parents, ready and willing to open the door and embrace it? To all the students, have a great, successful, and rewarding school year. Make it happen!
Carol Strupczewski
Retired New Bedford High School Teacher
6 comments:
Thank you for your service and for putting "things" into perspective. Teachers are there to help the kids if the children and the parents do their part.
Carol, thank you for supporting us and what we do for our children.
We've all heard the negative statements the UIA and the Roundtable have made against teachers. Can someone tell me something positive that they've said about us?
Thanks Carol.
Carol- you are the rock that keeps some of us from transferring to another district. We want to help these kids, but society is fighting us- or should I say blaming us. They need to stress the importance of an education, not the importance of a welfare check. We need to stress the importance of achievement, not expectation. We need to stress the need to be a contributing member of society- not a leach to a dwindling system. It starts in the home- so parents get working!
I agree! Stop feeling entitled-free handouts are not free! Stay in school and parents step up to the plate and start doing YOUR job!
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